Co-founded by mother and daughter Melissa Orijin and Esi, Orijin Bees grew from Melissa’s search for a doll that resembled her child. The company creates inclusive play experiences that help Black and Brown children see themselves in the products around them, including dolls with varied skin tones and hair textures.
Mom's Choice Award
Toy Of the Year Finalist 2022
The Happy Hues CompanyFounded by mother of three Eunique Jones Gibson, The Happy Hues Company makes baby essentials designed to give little ones comfort and a stronger sense of representation. Its diapers, training pants and wipes pair gentle, skin-conscious materials with culturally rich, affirming designs inspired by Gibson’s realization that her daughter could not see herself reflected in training pants. The Black-owned company donates 5% of its net proceeds to organizations serving underserved youth.
HistoriconsRose Perry and Rajiv Fernandez founded Historicons after growing up without seeing themselves represented in toys, media, or history books. The company creates educational play experiences for children that use stories of historically excluded changemakers to make the past more inclusive and relatable, with input from educators and child-development experts.New York, NY
OoumeOoume is a Black-owned, mom-founded Ohio brand created by Briana Davis after she developed a hair-care routine for her son Amir’s curls. It makes gentle, nature-based care for babies and families with curls or coils, including shampoo and conditioner designed for sensitive scalps.
Hazel VillageFounded in 2010 by Jane Van Cleef, Hazel Village creates soft woodland animals and dolls for imaginative play, along with handmade clothing for them and matching children’s accessories. Its Brooklyn workshop has a 15-person team, while social-enterprise artisan partners around the world make the toys, including hand-embroidered faces that give each one natural variation. The women-run business also designs limited-edition collections and emphasizes fair work, lower-waste production, and recycled or low-impact packaging.BROOKLYN, NY